I've been taking classes for several years. Now I'm thinking about taking private classes, working with an acting coach. Do you recommend?

Before I've taken group classes.

You didn't mention your age, but Tess Kirsch is wonderful.

Acting coaches are for before an audition or on set, NOT a replacement for group classes or ongoing training, period.

I'm sure you have favorites from your group classes and I'm sure they'll probably private coach for $80+ an hour.

Do any of you take classes like this?
I believe they may be helpful besides just the group classes?

I've learned just as much, if not MORE, from watching other actors get up, get notes and make adjustments.

So, no. Also, what you're suggesting sounds extremely expensive.

quote:

Originally posted by ThrillSeeker:
I've learned just as much, if not MORE, from watching other actors get up, get notes and make adjustments.

Yep, when I watch actors, I view them as if I'm the teacher and when the teacher makes comments I see which observations match up with him or her.

Unless you're seeing a teacher just for auditions, you're not going to learn much about acting in a private lesson because a large part of acting is about the other person in the scene. The advantage of a group class is you'll ideally work with different people and thus won't come out as a one note guy because you've learned how to adapt and listen and react off of different personalities.